REMOTE HEARING – WENT AHEAD AND WORKED

In Jalla & Ors v Royal Dutch Shell Plc & Ors [2020] EWHC 738 (TCC) Mr Justice Stuart-Smith gave judgment in a hearing that was conducted remotely. This demonstrates that, with considerable effort, remote hearings can work in complex hearings.

“This judgment is the result of a hearing on 24 March 2020 and is consequential on the handing down of my judgment [2020] EWHC 459 (TCC) on 2 March 2020 [“the Main Judgment”]. The hearing was conducted remotely with (so far as I am aware) all or nearly all participants separated because of the Coronavirus pandemic. I am told, and readily accept, that the consequences of the pandemic adversely affected the ability of the parties to prepare as easily and efficiently as they might otherwise have done. It is right that the Court should acknowledge both the achievements of and the difficulties faced by all in this case who have had to confront the changed litigation and human landscape created by the virus at short notice.”